The El Rahad area in the state of North Kordofan has received more than 20,000 people, mostly women and children, fleeing recent attacks in the Abu Karshola of South Kordofan by forces of a rebel alliance.

Dr Hafez Al Haj Makki of the Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) in North Kordofan said the agency has accommodated the displaced in four schools in El Rahad.

Last Saturday Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF), a coalition of rebel forces recruiting primarily in Darfur and Kordofan, reportedly raided Umm Rawaba, overpowering local security forces, firing at government buildings and looting the market.

Witnesses in Abu Karshola, situated near Umm Rawaba, said on Tuesday the SRF remained in control of the area, adding that rebels raised their flag and formed local civil administration committees in the town.

A citizen of Umm Rawaba told Radio Dabanga that people still fear that the forces of the SRF might wage a new attack on their city. "Fear and severe panic rule the lives of citizens, electricity is still cut, and limited access to water is worsening their plight," he said.

Umma Party

In a statement from Khartoum on the incidents in North Kordofan, the National Umma Party (NUP) led by Imam Sadiq Al Mahdi, said that the armed factions in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile "have legitimate issues" but warned that targeting and terrorizing civilians might backfire.

Al Mahdi, however, reiterated the party’s belief that the best way to achieve their legitimate demands is through political means as opposed to violence and asserted that "the peace process in Sudan should not be partial but a comprehensive one".

This peace agenda should be negotiated as comprehensive and just, lead to democratic transition as expressed in a new constitution, and meet the national demands of the Sudanese people, he said.

NUP leader appealed in the statement to the president and ruling party to call for a meeting of all stakeholders to agree on a new national system without excluding any party, or being under the control of any party.

The statement also appealed to the forces carrying arms not to endanger the lives, property or dignity of civilians.